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Wellness Calendar

Wellness in September: Heavy-duty tools for weight loss

Obesity is a serious health risk, with research linking it to heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and stroke. Obesity is also linked to gallbladder and liver diseases, as well as many types of cancer. Other obesity-related health conditions include sleep apnea, sexual and reproductive dysfunction, and depression.

Here's the good news: Even modest weight loss can improve or prevent health problems associated with obesity. In September, use the Carpenters EmbodyHealth website to access useful programs and tools for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. While you're at it, enroll in Carpenters Rewards to earn points for a $100 gift card.

Mayo Clinic Lifestyle Coaching (up to 150 points) is a confidential, telephone-based counseling program available to eligible participants at no cost. This program is designed to teach successful weight-loss strategies that lead to life-changing improvements. You'll work closely with a Health Coach to set goals, develop your knowledge and skills, overcome barriers, and establish an ongoing support system. Between phone sessions, you'll get help staying focused using My Coach, an online program that provides you with tools to help you log activity and track progress related to your goals. Keep in mind that you need to complete the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment (200 points) to determine whether you qualify for Lifestyle Coaching.

My Weight Solution (150 points): People who succeed at weight loss follow a low-calorie diet, track food consumption, get regular physical activity, and participate in regular weigh-ins. My Weight Solution is based on these research-supported principles. This online program offers step-by-step instruction to help you identify barriers and set realistic goals. You'll eat a variety of healthy foods, work toward daily exercise goals, utilize online tools to track progress, and receive ongoing motivational support. To qualify for Rewards points, just record weight and exercise activity at least six times (once a week) and complete the participant survey.

The Mayo Clinic Health Monitor (100 points): This online activity log offers simple forms to record details about diet, exercise, and weigh-ins. A personal journal lets you make additional notes about your condition. Full-color graphs help you monitor your progress. And, you can print your information to share with your doctor. You'll find the Health Monitor on the Health Information tab under Self Assessments.

Healthy Weight Pyramid Tool (50 points): This calculator allows you to create a personalized meal plan geared for weight loss or weight management. The plan includes daily serving recommendations and portion sizes, as well as exercise goals to help you work off excess calories. To locate this useful planning tool, log on to the EmbodyHealth website and enter pyramid in the search bar (upper right corner). When you're finished, be sure to update your Rewards page with a completion date, then click "Did It."

BMI Calculator (25 points): A body mass index (BMI) uses weight and height measurements to estimate body fat. The EmbodyHealth website features a handy calculator to determine whether your BMI is in a health range. Log on to the site and enter bmi in the search bar (upper right corner) to find the BMI calculator. Remember to update your Rewards page with a completion date, then click "Did It."

Calendar Archive

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July 2011: What's your weight solution?